ACCOMMODATING SUBSTANCE MISUSERS: THE “SPECTRUM OF POSSIBILITY” A GUIDE FOR HOUSING PROVIDERS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is it?

 The Substance Misuse and Housing Guide provides

• a framework for developing and improving housing outcomes for people with drug/alcohol issues
• a benchmark against which landlords and housing support providers can measure current policies, provision and practices
• a resource for landlords and housing support providers who are prepared to offer greater provision for people with alcohol and drug related support needs

 Why we need to improve housing and housing support for people with drug and alcohol problems?

The Norfolk Drug and Alcohol Partnership (N-DAP) believe that a wide range of benefits would result to individuals, their families and local communities including

• reduction in drug dealing
• reduction of discarded needles
• reduction in crime
• better treatment outcomes
• improved physical and mental health
• reduction in costs associated with the breakdown of accommodation.

Won't this just mean an increase of drug users in our communities and services?

No because people who are using substances are already in communities and supported accommodation services but many are not in touch with support or conceal their drug use to get into hostels. The guide advocates that:

• people with substance misuse problems should be targeted for support so that their accommodation is less likely to break down and their behaviour less likely to be disruptive for landlords
• the ending of blanket bans on taking drug users in supported accommodation allows more honest and effective support to be provided
• people in settled accommodation are easier to locate and provide consistent services to
• related criminal activity is easier to respond to if potential offenders are in stable accommodation

 Will my staff risk arrest if my organisation houses drug users who are continuing to use?

Not if providers develop and operate their services within the context of an up to date legal framework. The Guide contains resources and specialist contacts which will help you develop and maintain an up to date knowledge of the legislation.  Please remember that it is 9 years since the arrests at Winter Comfort in Cambridge and that nothing of this kind has happened since then.

What's in it for me?

 It will provide you with a more cohesive and resilient approach to managing drug and alcohol issues within your services through offering

• free training
• resources and reassurance to support and further develop your practice
• a better framework for landlords and housing providers who may feel isolated in managing this client group
• stronger engagement with Tier Two community based drug and alcohol services
• significantly better outcomes all round

 How will success be measured?

N-DAP feel it is important to identify a clear set of indicators with providers and other partners to effectively measure the impacts of working within the Guide framework. These could include:

• planned accommodation pathways for people with substance misuse problems
• supported housing providers accommodating more people with drug and alcohol problems
• more organisations moving into accommodating people with substance misuse problems
• less accommodation breakdown where alcohol and drug use has been a factor
• a better trained and more knowledgeable workforce which can deal with a wider range of issues in respect of housing and substance use
• more expert landlords and expert providers in this area